Award-winning Portland Nurseries Group has acquired Halifax based Totspot Nursery – Shelf, growing the Group from five to six settings.
Now renamed Fairfield Nursery, it is a 62-place purpose-built nursery that was established in 1995, four years after Portland Nurseries was founded in 1991, making them two of the longest established nurseries in Huddersfield and Halifax.
“The nursery is well-loved with an outstanding local reputation. We started around the same time and we are delighted to bring a nursery of its standing into the Group,” said Portland Nurseries Joint MD, Michael Murphy. “It fits well with our portfolio of nurseries, which are focussed on providing industry-leading childcare, excellent indoor and outdoor areas and convenience for parents.
“We are looking forward to bringing the Portland Nurseries brand of early years education to Shelf in Halifax and building on the excellent foundations that have been established over the last 30 plus years.”
Michael confirmed all staff will be retained and the acquisition will mean fresh opportunities and improved career prospects across the group.
“It is full of wonderful children and a fantastic staff team. We are delighted to welcome them to the Portland Nurseries family. It was important for us that we retained the staff as we know how tough the economic climate is at the moment,” added Michael. “Moreover, it will bring new career prospects and personal growth opportunities, such as cross-site roles, training and wellbeing programmes for our current staff members and the staff at Fairfield Nursery”
“We have ambitions to keep growing, and this is our second nursery acquired in the last 12 months,” added Michael. “We employ several very experienced managers with over 100 years’ experience between them as our senior team to ensure consistency, best practice and values are upheld so we can deliver outstanding care to children.”
The next few weeks will be spent getting to know the families and staff team and building on the quality provision already in place. They will be planning an ‘Open Day’ in the spring to showcase the setting and everything it has to offer. It can be found in the village of Shelf, the perfect location for local families or those commuting parents travelling between Halifax, Bradford, Brighouse and Hipperholme.
Fairfield Nursery (55A Carr House Lane, Shelf, Halifax, HX3 7RH) joins the award-winning Portland Nurseries; Portland House (Lindley), Oakwood House Nursery Forest School (Edgerton), Harlequin (Edgerton) Bradley House (Bradley) and Holly Bank Nursery (Birkby).
